Prince was more than a musician—he was a revolution. A visionary who defied genres, shattered expectations, and redefined what it meant to be an artist, Prince left behind a catalog of music that continues to inspire generations. From electrifying rock anthems to soul-stirring ballads, his songs are timeless, each one a testament to his fearless creativity and unmatched talent.
With a career spanning over four decades, Prince gifted the world with countless hits, but some tracks stand above the rest—songs that dominated the charts, changed the sound of pop music, and became cultural landmarks. Whether it’s the raw emotion of Purple Rain, the hypnotic groove of Kiss, or the apocalyptic party vibes of 1999, these songs showcase the essence of an artist who never played by the rules.
In this list, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Prince songs of all time—tracks that defined his legacy and remain as fresh and electrifying today as they were upon release. So crank up the volume, embrace the funk, and take a journey through the music of a true icon. Let’s go crazy! 🎸🔥
1. Purple Rain (1984)
More than just a song, Purple Rain is an emotional odyssey—one of Prince’s most powerful and enduring masterpieces. Released in 1984 as the climactic centerpiece of both the Purple Rain album and film, this breathtaking power ballad blends rock, gospel, and soul into a cathartic explosion of sound. Prince’s heartfelt vocals and searing guitar solo elevate the song into legendary status, capturing raw vulnerability and redemption. Lyrically, it speaks of love, longing, and sacrifice, themes that resonate universally. What makes it even more remarkable is that the final studio version came from a live 1983 performance at First Avenue in Minneapolis, proving that Prince’s brilliance was best experienced in real time. The song became a defining moment in his career, winning a Grammy and securing its place as one of the greatest rock ballads of all time.
2. When Doves Cry (1984)
With When Doves Cry, Prince shattered every expectation of what a hit single could be. The song, released as the lead single from Purple Rain, was groundbreaking for its unconventional structure—most notably, its complete lack of a bassline. This bold production choice created an eerie, hypnotic tension that perfectly mirrored the song’s introspective themes. Prince’s intricate guitar work, haunting synths, and deeply personal lyrics exploring a fractured relationship made it instantly unforgettable. The song dominated the charts, becoming his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. More than just a commercial success, When Doves Cry remains one of the most innovative pop songs ever recorded, a testament to Prince’s genius in pushing musical boundaries.
3. Kiss (1986)
Minimalist, funky, and effortlessly cool, Kiss is a masterclass in less-is-more. Originally written for the band Mazarati, Prince took the track back, stripped it down, and turned it into an irresistible groove. Released on the Parade album, the song’s infectious rhythm, playful falsetto vocals, and tight guitar work made it an instant classic. The track’s sparse yet electrifying arrangement allowed every element to shine, proving that Prince didn’t need layers of sound to command attention. Topping the Billboard Hot 100, Kiss became one of his most recognizable hits, cementing his status as a master of reinvention.
4. Little Red Corvette (1983)
A perfect fusion of rock and pop, Little Red Corvette was Prince’s breakthrough into mainstream success. Released on 1999, the song uses a clever automotive metaphor to tell a story of fleeting passion and reckless romance. With its dreamy synths and slow-building energy, it became one of his most radio-friendly tracks and his first Top 10 hit. The song’s massive appeal helped introduce Prince to a wider audience, setting the stage for his dominance throughout the 1980s. More than just a hit, Little Red Corvette was a pivotal moment in pop music, influencing future generations of artists with its seamless blend of rock edge and sultry groove.
5. 1999 (1982)
Apocalyptic yet celebratory, 1999 is the ultimate party anthem with a deeper message. Released during the Cold War era, its lyrics reflect the fear of impending doom while urging listeners to live life to the fullest. The song’s pulsating beat, layered vocals, and unforgettable chorus turned it into an instant dancefloor staple. Decades later, its energy remains timeless, and its message—seizing the moment because tomorrow isn’t promised—resonates just as strongly. Whether blasting through speakers on New Year’s Eve or inspiring a new generation of listeners, 1999 remains one of Prince’s defining contributions to pop culture.
6. Raspberry Beret (1985)
Colorful, whimsical, and undeniably catchy, Raspberry Beret showcased Prince’s softer, more narrative-driven songwriting. Released on Around the World in a Day, the song embraced psychedelic pop influences, featuring lush instrumentation and vivid, almost cinematic storytelling. The lyrics paint a picture of youthful romance and adventure, drawing listeners into a dreamy world of playful nostalgia. Its upbeat melody and singalong chorus made it a fan favorite, proving that Prince could master any genre he touched.
7. Let’s Go Crazy (1984)
Few songs capture Prince’s electric energy like Let’s Go Crazy. The track opens with a dramatic spoken-word sermon before exploding into a full-throttle rock anthem. A standout from Purple Rain, the song delivers pure adrenaline, fueled by scorching guitar solos, pounding drums, and an urgent call to embrace life with passion and intensity. It became Prince’s second No. 1 hit, solidifying his ability to craft exhilarating, genre-defying music. Let’s Go Crazy remains a thrilling, rebellious anthem that still ignites audiences decades after its release.
8. Sign o’ the Times (1987)
Stripped of excess, Sign o’ the Times is one of Prince’s most socially conscious and haunting tracks. The title song from his groundbreaking 1987 double album, it moves away from his usual flamboyance in favor of stark minimalism, allowing the weight of its lyrics to take center stage. Addressing issues like drug addiction, disease, violence, and global unrest, Sign o’ the Times captured the harsh realities of the era with striking honesty. The song’s raw production and thought-provoking message showcased Prince not just as a musical genius, but as a keen observer of the world.
9. I Wanna Be Your Lover (1979)
Prince’s first major hit, I Wanna Be Your Lover, was a glimpse of the greatness to come. Released on his self-titled second album, the track is a perfect blend of funk, R&B, and pop, featuring an irresistibly groovy bassline and playful falsetto vocals. Its infectious energy made it a dancefloor favorite, marking his first Top 40 success. Though his later work would become more complex, I Wanna Be Your Lover proved early on that Prince had an unmistakable sound and star power that would soon take the world by storm.
10. Cream (1991)
Sultry, self-assured, and dripping with swagger, Cream was Prince at his most seductive. Released on Diamonds and Pearls, the song’s smooth groove and flirtatious lyrics made it an instant fan favorite. Legend has it that Prince wrote it while looking at himself in the mirror, which feels entirely fitting for such a confident anthem. It became his final No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that even after more than a decade of dominance, Prince still had the magic to craft chart-topping hits.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
